Gastronomy – Products
Naxos is the most fertile island of Cyclades. Its products are known throughout Greece for their excellent quality, showing that the island is as the locals say a blessed place.In the south of Naxos, the inhabitants cultivate the famous naxian potato and other fruits and vegetables.In the north part of the island they cultivate vineyards and they produce exquisite wine. Naxos is also famous for its olive oil production. On the island over 400,000 olive trees are planted, of which 200,000 are in the basin of Tragaia. In the mountains hundreds of goats and sheeps are raised, while cows are raised mainly in lowland. From their milk the famous Naxian cheese are made: graviera, kefalotyri, xynotiri and xynomizithra. As the Naxian like having fun, they accompany their festivities by their local citrus liqueur from the distillation of the leaves of citron, cultivated only in the fertile lands of Naxos. Naxos has also great mineral wealth such as the emery and the marble, which are internationally recognized for their quality.
Tradition
Naxos tradition is still alive. In every village there are cultural clubs which are trying to hold the population in the villages and to maintain the rich musical and dance tradition. The music and dance is a vibrant lifestyle: the syrtos dance, the ballos dance and many others accompanied by traditional musical instruments such as the violin, the lute and the tzampouna preserve the traditional music in weddings, festivals and other events.
Activities
Naxos has developed in recent decades the image of the modern tourist resort and a variety of activities are offered to visitors. The beaches are mainly spread in the southern part of the island in an area of 25km and they give the opportunity to practice water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing, diving or beach volley.
Naxos has beautiful mountain trails. The dozens of trails that traverse Naxos lead to beautiful places, many of which are only accessible via walking paths so trekking, hiking and cycling are recommended.